Wine connoisseurs have likely heard of Brooks Winery (21101 S.E. Cherry Blossom Lane, Amity; 503-435-1278; brookswine.com) as it was named one of the top five "Must Visit Wineries" by USA Today. This relaxing spot is a wonderful place to bring your family and friends, especially as the weather lightens up - the winery livens up with special events such as weekend yoga on the patio, live music, bingo night and even pizza Fridays. Pinot noir and riesling are the featured varietals, but flights of white blends are also a popular choice. A cheese and charcuterie board pairs perfectly with reds or whites or opt for the chef's choice board with an assortment of cheese and charcuterie favorites with seasonal housemade offerings. If wine is not your forte, rotating draft beer and cider are available. The atmosphere is enjoyable and the staff is friendly, knowledgeable and energetic. The tasting room fills up fast, but plenty of outdoor seating is accessible with space heaters for the cooler days. Whether you are on an afternoon drive through West Salem's orchards and farmland, making your way through the vineyards or want to fully indulge with reservations in the Ouroboros Room, you must stop in to enjoy the good wine and the scenery. Guests get the special treatment in the Ouroboros Room and enjoy a variety of current release wines along with exclusive winery-only offerings and charcuterie and cheese pairings to match the wine selections ($50/person), Tasting room hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

After trying the cheese varieties at Brooks winery, I knew I had to make my way to the Cheese Bar (6031 S.E. Belmont Street, Portland; 503-222-6014; cheese-bar.com), an ideal eatery for artisan cheeses (via boards and fondue), meats, wine, beer and cider. The options are endless as they have over 200 local and imported cheeses on rotation. The food menu is less extensive, but intentional and delicious. The nearly dozen boards make for great starters or just the right shareable to pair with wine. For something more savory the gourmet mac and cheese is a great choice as are any of the sandwich varieties paired with soup. For lighter fare, soup or salad makes for a good choice. The wine selection varies but is tastefully chosen, and one cannot leave without a taste of the cheesecake. Hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, but you can also visit them at Chizu (1126 S.W. Alder Street, Portland; 503-719-6889; chizubar.com) and Cheese Annex (630 S.E. Belmont Street, Portland; cheeseannex.com ). Chizu takes a Japanese-style approach to the experience, making you feel as if you are ordering from a sushi line up; also serving cider, beer, sake and wine whereas Cheese Annex is located inside The Commons Brewery (commonsbrewery.com) with more beer-friendly pairings.